A father and son have appeared in court charged in connection with an attack on a man who received 'life-changing' injuries before being left bleeding and injured outside Longford Garda Station last month. Patrick Nugent (37), with a current address of Athlone Road, Longford, and his son Lewis Nugent (18), who currently resides in homeless accommodation in Longford, both appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens this evening at Longford District Court. Both men were charged with an alleged violent disorder incident on the evening of February 9 last, at Teffia Park, Longford. They were also charged with assault causing harm. Patrick Nugent was further charged with production of a stick in the course of the alleged dispute, while Lewis Nugent faces a charge of production of incapacitator spray, more commonly known as pepper spray. They also each faced a charge of affray following an alleged incident on Main Street, Longford, earlier that same morning.
Detective Garda Damien McGovern outlined how, on the evening in question, the alleged injured party was set upon by four men and assaulted with a number of implements, including a stick, pepper spray, a golf club, a machete and a taser. CCTV footage played in court showed the injured party walking from Teffia Park into Leader Park before being chased back towards Teffia by four males, and out onto the main road before he ends up on the ground and is attacked by the group. CCTV footage shows the men engaging in swinging actions towards the injured party during a sustained attack.
The alleged victim’s associates then arrive in a white vehicle and try to retrieve him while the attack continues. The occupants of the vehicle manage to get the alleged injured party into the car and drive to Longford Garda Station where the vehicle stops and the driver repeatedly honks the horn to get the attention of Gardaí. As it drives off, the alleged injured party can be seen lying on the road outside the station as two members of An Garda Síochána rush out to his aid. A number of photos were shown in court of the injured party lying on the road, covered in blood, as well as numerous lacerations on his hands, body, and three to his head. A preliminary medical report furnished to the court also mentioned a skull fracture. Det Gda McGovern also outlined the details in relation to the affray, which is alleged to have taken place earlier that day. CCTV from Garvey’s Lane shows the injured party, who did not make a statement to Gardaí, walking into the alleyway, before being set upon by two males who had been standing beside a blue vehicle on Main Street. Det Gda McGovern outlined how, in an “unprovoked attack”, the injured party was allegedly struck with a brick around the head and then punched by the two men. The alleged affray then continues out onto the main street. The two accused men were identified via CCTV footage of the incidents, the court heard. Four Gardaí who were independent of the investigation identified them.
A 'callout' video circulated on social media a number of days after the alleged incidents, in which a masked man surrounded by supporters. Det Gda McGovern informed the court that he is 'satisfied' the man talking in the video is Patrick Nugent because of his gait and his voice. Detective Garda Orla Geraghty, giving her evidence, also expressed her certainty that the man in the video was the accused, Patrick Nugent. State concerns fell under Section 2 of the bail act, as well as O’Callaghan Rules, with Gardaí having concerns that the accused man would commit further crimes if released on bail. Of particular concern to Det Gda McGovern was the callout video as, in his experience, the threats in these videos have 'on occasion' been acted on.
Solicitor Diarmuid Quinn put it to the Det Gda McGovern that his client had not been formally identified, and that the state were relying on the 'grainy' CCTV footage. He stated there were no weapons retrieved, no DNA evidence and no admissions from Patrick Nugent when questioned by Gardaí. He informed the court that there was a sum of €1,000 made available and that his client’s mother was willing to be an independent surety for the accused. Judge Owens accepted the defendant was identified as being in the area prior to the incident, and with an alleged weapon, but said the actual alleged assault is not clear on the CCTV footage. For that reason, she said it would be 'disproportionate' to remand him in custody and consented to bail under very strict conditions, including that he lodge €500 for an own bond, and that he get independent surety of €6,000, which is to be lodged to the court. That independent surety is not to be an immediate family member and must be approved by Gardaí, she stated. Further conditions include a curfew from 10pm to 6am, signing on three days per week at Longford Garda Station, and that he stay off all social media platforms. He has also been ordered to stay away from Main Street Longford, save for Wednesdays from 10am to 11.30am when he is permitted to collect his disability allowance at the post office. Patrick Nugent was remanded in custody with consent to bail and will reappear via video link on March 10th.
Det Gda Orla Geraghty gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution for Lewis Nugent, and outlined her concerns that, should he be released on bail, he would commit further offences. The callout video was also of concern, she said. Solicitor John Anderson stressed that there was nothing in the CCTV footage that would identify his client as being involved in the alleged incident and put it to Det Gda Geraghty that, 'because his father is involved', she was 'trying to tar him with the same brush'. Det Gda Geraghty, however, maintained that she was satisfied the CCTV was enough evidence of identification. Mr Anderson told the court that Mr Nugent’s grandmother could provide €2,000 in independent surety for her grandson’s release on bail, but stressed it would be “impossible” to get someone outside the family, should that be a requirement for his release. Judge Owens granted Lewis Nugent bail on a €500 own bond, on the condition that his grandmother lodge the €2,000 independent surety, which she did immediately in the courtroom. He is also to abide by a curfew of 10pm to 6am, to stay off Main Street, aside from Thursdays from 10am to 11.30am when he is permitted to collect his social welfare. Among his other conditions was one that he is to remain off all social media platforms, sign on three days a week, remain intoxicant free and stay away from Garvey’s Lane, Garvey’s Close and Teffia Park. He will reappear before the court on April 21st.
